Microsoft and 343 Studios have tried very hard to keep the Halo Infinite hype train rolling through 2019 and 2020. This hasn't always been easy, with basically no gameplay being shown until recently. Despite a limited time Halo Infinite poster as merch, fans crave tangible gameplay most of all to know the title's quality.
It was taken for granted for some time that genuine Halo Infinite gameplay would be forthcoming. This was because 343 Studios had planned to roll out a limited beta testing run. The beta test program would see players giving feedback on the project as it was being worked on. It was also supposed to run for some time, with players giving feedback to the game every step of the way as it wrapped up development.
The beta would no doubt have answered several questions fans still have. What are some deeper elements of the story? How open world is Halo Infinite? What weapons will be returning and what are the new ones? However it now seems they'll have to wait longer for those answers, and to get their hands on the game. The ambitious open beta plan has been scaled back significantly. It looks like far fewer players will be able to sweep through Infinite, with only specific players being invited to smaller scale betas.
There are several reasons behind the scale-back. The first and most obvious is the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ravaging the industry. 343 Studios has stated it is not as far ahead in development as originally planned, and the game simply isn't ready for mass beta tests.
There is some credibility to the idea that Halo Infinite is not ready for the public eye just yet. The recent demo showing was met poorly by fans, who were unimpressed by the game's graphics. Since the betas are scaled back, there will be no means to see what other areas of Infinite still need polish. This is certainly disappointing, and a little unnerving, since news of the scaleback followed the backlash from the demo very quickly.
It also means players will not be able to see how certain gameplay promises are implemented. No doubt many were eager to get their hands on the new Halo grappling hook. Alas, the fans will have to wait. After all, safety and quality come first.
Halo Infinite releases for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X this holiday season.
Source: 343 Industries